Staff Reporter :
Marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday issued a strongly worded public statement, calling on the Awami League and its leadership to issue a formal apology for what he described as their continued disregard for the victims and martyrs of the 2024 pro-democracy movement.
In a post shared on his verified Facebook page, Shafiqul said the Awami League would “never have peace” until it acknowledges its role in the state’s response to last year’s mass uprising, which culminated in the end of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule.
“We will remove the legacy of your harmful influence from our land,” the post read. “You will never find peace until you show respect to our martyrs and the injured – until you express remorse.”
His remarks come amid nationwide commemorations marking one year since the student-led movement erupted, following the fatal shooting of university student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur on 16 July 2024. The movement swiftly grew into a mass uprising that resulted in sweeping political change.
Shafiqul accused the former ruling party of displaying a lack of contrition, claiming that instead of reflecting on its actions, it had chosen to belittle the public’s struggle. “Ten months have passed without even the slightest sign of regret. Instead, Awami League leaders have distorted the memory of the people’s movement,” he wrote.
He further alleged that the party and its sympathisers had vilified the public by portraying them as extremists. “You labelled 170 million citizens as militants and lobbied for external forces to reinstate your rule-one that brought with it plunder and chaos.”
Reaffirming the significance of the July movement, Shafiqul said the uprising had fundamentally changed the political awareness of the population. “That month taught us resilience, unity, and the strength to resist, even in the face of bullets.”
He also revisited the violent crackdown on protesters, highlighting the human cost of the movement. “Many of our young people lost their lives, suffered lasting injuries, or were left permanently disabled. Yet, no meaningful reflection or accountability has emerged from those responsible.”
Concluding his message, Shafiqul pledged ongoing resistance to any attempts to reverse the democratic gains of 2024. “We will resist – on our land, in our waters, and across digital platforms. We will continue to speak out against injustice and demand accountability.”
His statement echoes a growing public demand for justice and historical recognition of the events of July 2024, which are now formally observed as a national milestone. The anniversary continues to serve as a focal point for calls to uphold democratic values and ensure past abuses are not forgotten.
